Allied Services Awarded Grant from Robert H. Spitz Foundation

Allied Services Foundation, on behalf of the John P. Moses Esq Pediatric Rehabilitation Centers, is a recipient of a grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation for the 2024 Grant Cycle. The grant awarded in the amount of $12,500 will assist with breaking the cycle of poverty through increased access to therapy services for underprivileged children with disabilities across northeastern Pennsylvania. 

Administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation, the Robert H, Spitz Foundation funds initiatives and programs serving the residents of Lackawanna County and surrounding counties in Northeastern Pennsylvania. To date, the Foundation has distributed nearly $6.25 million to the community. Learn more at www.safdn.org.

Scranton Area Community Foundation‘s Platinum Jubilee Celebrated 70 Years of Impact

The Scranton Area Community Foundation (SACF) recently marked a historic milestone, celebrating 70 years of service and impact in Northeastern Pennsylvania at its Platinum Jubilee on Thursday, December 5, at the Scranton Cultural Center. Over 200 attendees gathered for a memorable evening of inspiring stories and a look ahead at the Foundation’s bright future.

The event celebrated the SACF’s incredible journey, made possible by the generosity of donors and community partners. The Foundation shared key milestones and achievements from throughout its past 70 years, showcasing how its efforts have evolved to meet the region’s changing needs.

“Reaching this 70th-anniversary milestone is a testament to the unwavering support of our donors, our nonprofit partners’ dedication, and our community’s resilience,” said Laura Ducceschi, Scranton Area

Community Foundation President and CEO. “As we celebrate our 70th anniversary, we remain even more committed to driving positive change and creating a vibrant, inclusive community for all across Northeastern Pennsylvania,” she added. “And we do this all through the support of our generous community.”

A highlight of the evening showcased the progress of SACF’s upcoming move to its permanent new home at the Century Club of Scranton in Lackawanna County. This new space will allow the Foundation to better serve the community with on-site services for philanthropists, nonprofits, and community members to collaborate, connect, and forge innovative solutions in the years to come.

Though the event was free, donations were welcome, and SACF gratefully accepted contributions supporting its 70th Anniversary Campaign upon registration. Funds support the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life for people, projects, and causes in Northeastern Pennsylvania. To support the Foundation’s transformative journey, visit 70.safdn.org to learn more.

The Scranton Area Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Northeastern Pennsylvania through philanthropy, collaboration, and community leadership.

Since 1954, the Foundation has provided over $50 million in grants and scholarships, supporting a wide range of programs and initiatives that address the community’s most pressing needs.

Scranton Area Community Foundation Receives Donation from Minooka Subaru

Minooka Subaru recently presented the Scranton Area Community Foundation with a check in the amount of $47,647 which comes from their latest Share the Love® event where the Scranton Area Community Foundation was selected as the hometown charity for Minooka Subaru’s customers to support during the event. This is the sixth year that Minooka Subaru has partnered with the Scranton Area Community Foundation as the hometown charity to support. To date, Minooka Subaru has donated over $200,000 to support the Minooka Subaru Fund of the Scranton Area Community Foundation which provides charitable support to the community.

(from left to right): Pat Corbett (Minooka Subaru), Laura Ducceschi (Scranton Area Community Foundation), Joe Corbett (Minooka Subaru), Mike Shields (Minooka Subaru).

NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative Expands Efforts to Support Animals

The NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative, formed in 2019 by the Scranton Area Community Foundation, is making significant strides in advancing animal welfare throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. Bringing together over 40 local animal shelters, rescues, advocates and sanctuaries, the Collaborative focuses on improving the lives of animals through innovative programs, partnerships, and expanded resources.

Affordable Veterinary Care

In March 2023, the Collaborative, in partnership with Indraloka Animal Sanctuary, launched the NEPA Rescue Veterinary Clinic in Dalton. This state-of-the-art facility provides accessible and affordable veterinary care, addressing a critical gap in animal healthcare services in the region.

Spay/Neuter Initiatives

Additionally in March 2023, the Collaborative received a transformative grant from Bob Jones’ Dog Trust to promote canine spay/neuter initiatives. The funding enabled the distribution of over 150 spay/neuter vouchers, directly supporting responsible pet ownership and reducing the region’s stray dog population.

Addressing Feral Cat Challenges

In response to a rising feral cat population, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Collaborative launched a Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) initiative in partnership with the NEPA Rescue Veterinary Clinic. In August 2024, three dedicated clinic events provided free spaying, neutering, vaccinations and veterinary care for over 100 feral cats in Lackawanna County. The program has successfully mitigated concerns around disease transmission, wildlife interactions and neighborhood disruptions caused by feral cats.

New Website to Enhance Regional Animal Welfare Efforts

This month, the Collaborative will unveil a comprehensive regional animal welfare resource guide on its new website. The guide will feature essential contacts for shelters, rescues, veterinary care, trainers, and TNR programs, providing a one-stop resource for the public while easing the strain on local facilities.

These initiatives are just the latest examples of the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative’s commitment to improving animal welfare across the region. To learn more or get involved, visit nepaawc.org and follow the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative on Facebook.

WRC Receives Grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation

The WRC (Women’s Resource Center) is pleased to announce the receipt of a generous $15,000 Community Needs Grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation. The SACF utilizes Community Needs grants to enhance the quality of life in Lackawanna County by supporting nonprofit programs in a variety of fields including education.

The Empowering Youth through Healthy Relationships grant will significantly enhance WRC’s prevention education programs focused on healthy relationships including friendships that is offered in schools across the county. Last year, WRC reached over 2,500 elementary, middle, and high school students.

Pictured are (L-R: Laura Ducceschi, Scranton Area Foundation President & CEO; Katie Gilmartin, Treasure, SAF Board of Governors; Patty McLain, WRC Teen Educator; Sarah Dawgert, WRC Education Manager; Frank Caputo, SAF Grants & Communications Coordinator and Cathy Fitzpatrick, Scranton Area Foundation Director of Grants & Scholarship.

Scranton Area Community Foundation to Celebrate Anniversary with Platinum Jubilee Event

The Scranton Area Community Foundation is proud to announce the celebration of its 70th anniversary, marking seven decades of service and impact in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Foundation has played a critical role in fostering philanthropy, supporting local nonprofit organizations, and improving the quality of life in the region. To commemorate this milestone, the Foundation is hosting a Platinum Jubilee anniversary event on Thursday, December 5, 2024, honoring the community, donors, and stakeholders who have made this legacy possible. The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required.

The Scranton Area Community Foundation was established as a community trust in 1954 by the Scranton Family, whose initial $1 million gift was the seed that has grown into a permanent vehicle for donors to accomplish their philanthropic goals while helping to support positive change in our community. Since its founding, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has been committed to creating a better future for the region by partnering with donors, nonprofits, and community leaders to address the most pressing needs. Over the past 70 years, the Foundation has awarded millions in grants to support local initiatives in education, health, human services, the arts, and economic development. Its leadership in collaborative philanthropy has positioned the Foundation as a trusted resource, enabling donors to make a lasting impact in the region.

“Celebrating 70 years is a remarkable achievement,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “It is a testament to the generosity of our donors, the dedication of our community partners, and the resilience of our region. We are excited to commemorate this milestone and look forward to the future as we continue to foster philanthropy and create meaningful, positive change.”

Platinum Jubilee Celebration in December

To honor its legacy and look ahead to the future, the Foundation will host a Platinum Jubilee event on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at the Scranton Cultural Center. This evening will bring together community members, philanthropists, and nonprofit leaders for a night of celebration and reflection. The event will feature a retrospective on the Foundation’s 70-year journey, and attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the Foundation’s vision for the next chapter of its work in the region.

The Foundation invites the public to join in this celebration and be part of this significant occasion. Registration information will be announced on the Foundation’s website later this month. For more information on attending the event or supporting the Foundation’s mission, please visit safdn.orgor contact Mary Joyce, Communications Manager at the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “As the Foundation looks ahead, it remains committed to addressing the evolving needs of the community and continuing to serve as a catalyst for positive change,” stated Ellen Burkey, Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Chair. “With its strong foundation of philanthropy, the Scranton Area Community Foundation will continue to support projects that improve lives, create opportunities, and build a more inclusive and vibrant Northeastern Pennsylvania,” Burkey added.

Several board governors and staff members of the Scranton Area Community Foundation gather for a photo during a recent strategic planning board meeting. The Foundation is planning its 70th anniversary ‘Platinum Jubilee’ celebration for December 5, 2024.

Standing (l-r): Brad Reid, Scranton Area Community Foundation Philanthropy Manager; Ryan Eckersley, Scranton Area Community Foundation Finance Associate; Patricia Fox, Psy.D, Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Governor; Bryan J. Franz DMD MS, Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Governor; Amy Betts, Scranton Area Community Foundation Community Impact Manager; Frank Caputo, Scranton Area Community Foundation Grants and Scholarships Manager; Barbara O’Hara, Esq., Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Governor; Kenneth Okrepkie,Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Governor; Jana Nelhybel, Scranton Area Community Foundation NEPA Thrives Sustainability Manager; Joseph Bannon, MD,Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Governor; Mary Joyce, Scranton Area Community Foundation Communications Manager; Katie Gilmartin, Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Governor; David Price, Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Governor; Jerry Musheno, R.Ph. Esq., Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Governor; Thomas Minora, MD, F.A.C.P., Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Governor; Rebecca Farrell, Scranton Area Community Foundation Grants and Scholarships Associate;Cathy Fitzpatrick, Scranton Area Community Foundation Grants and Scholarships Director.

Seated (l-r): Brittany Pagnotti, Scranton Area Community Foundation Donor Relations and Communications Director; Ellen Burkey, Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Chair; Laura Ducceschi, Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO; Maggie Martinelli, Scranton Area Community Foundation Chief Operating Officer; Dana Hunter, Scranton Area Community Foundation Operations Manager.

Photo Credit: Julie Potter

SAF Selected for CFLeads’ Economic Mobility Action Network

The Scranton Area Community Foundation is proud to announce it is only one of ten foundations nationwide selected by CFLeads to participate in the Economic Mobility Action Network’s advanced cohort, a network funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The Economic Mobility Action Network is made up of twenty community foundations across the nation, chosen through a competitive process, for their work to advance economic mobility in the region they serve, with a focus on equity. The Scranton Area Community Foundation will work with the Rochester Area Community Foundation, North Texas Community Foundation, Cambridge Community Foundation, Foundation For The Carolinas, ACT for Alexandria, and other leading foundations nationwide.

In 2023, CFLeads was awarded a $4.8 million grant by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for its economic mobility work and will support the 20 community foundations in two cohorts with capacity-building support and innovative strategies beginning in September 2024. The goal will be to further strengthen and refine the community’s economic mobility plan with a focus on equity.

The cohort consists of Laura Ducceschi, Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO; Ellen Burkey, Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Chair; Vivian Williams, Scranton Area Community Foundation Director of Community Impact; and key partners from the City of Scranton and the Institute for Public Policy.

“This incredible opportunity will provide the Scranton Area Community Foundation with a new national network, allowing it to develop additional relationships with peers who are pioneering innovative approaches to community challenges as well as with funding partners nationwide,” stated Laura Ducceschi, Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO.

The Economic Mobility Action Network is led by CFLeads’ Economic Mobility team. More information is available on the EMAN webpage.

CFLeads’ mission is to help community foundations build strong communities by advancing effective practices, sharing knowledge, and galvanizing action on critical issues of our time.

“CFLeads is committed to empowering community foundations to lead change in their local place-based work. With the Economic Mobility Action Network, we’re fostering collaboration among 20 community foundations to advance equitable economic mobility. By aligning our shared focus on racial equity with a community leadership lens, we’re driving systemic change that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of our communities,” stated Mary L. Thomas, CFLeads’ President & CEO.

“I am thrilled to announce the selection of an outstanding group of community foundations to join our Economic Mobility Action Network. The competitive process highlighted the incredible commitment and innovative approaches of applicants across the country. In making our selections, we considered not only the strength of each application but also the scope, geographic diversity, institutional alignment, and deep community engagement demonstrated by these foundations. We are confident that this cohort will drive meaningful change and advance economic mobility in their communities,” stated Dr. Leonard Brock Vice President for Learning and Impact (Issues) at CFLeads.

To learn more about the Scranton Area Community Foundation, visit safdn.org or contact Mary Joyce, Communications Manager at the Scranton Area Community Foundation at 570-347-6203.

Scranton Area Community Foundation Celebrates 70 Years of Impact

The Scranton Area Community Foundation is proud to announce the launch of its 70th Anniversary Campaign, commemorating seven decades of dedicated service and impactful philanthropy in the Northeastern Pennsylvania region. Since its establishment in 1954, the Foundation has been at the forefront of fostering community development, supporting nonprofit organizations, and enhancing the quality of life for residents in Northeastern Pennsylvania. During this special time, the Foundation aims to celebrate the Foundation’s rich history while looking forward to a future of continued growth and community support.

To coincide with this milestone year and continue improving on the Foundation’s critical work, the Scranton Area Community Foundation is establishing a permanent home in Lackawanna County in 2024. The Foundation was generously gifted the building that houses the Century Club of Scranton on Jefferson Avenue, directly across the street from its current rented office location in Scranton. This gift will allow the Scranton Area Community Foundation to have a permanent home in Lackawanna County later this year and better serve the community through various on-site services for nonprofits, as well as the ability to convene the community to work on important solutions.

The Scranton Area Community Foundation will spend the next few months renovating, improving, and preserving the historic building. During this time, the Foundation seeks support from the community to help finalize this move and continue providing charitable support to the community. “Supporting our anniversary campaign will help us to uplift the communities we serve in Northeastern Pennsylvania and enable us to enact meaningful change across our region,” stated Laura Ducceschi, Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO.

“By joining our 70th-anniversary campaign, you help us reach our goal as we prepare to move into our new home, honor the Foundation’s legacy, and inspire continued philanthropic efforts in our region,” stated Ellen Burkey, Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Chair. “Every contribution makes a difference, and 100% of your donation stays local, supporting the needs of our renovations and our region’s greatest needs,” she added.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony and ‘Platinum Jubilee’ anniversary celebration event is planned for December 2024. This event will bring together donors, community partners, nonprofit leaders, and the community to reflect on the Foundation’s accomplishments and celebrate its future. Look for more information on the Platinum Jubilee and ribbon-cutting ceremony to come soon.

To support the Foundation’s transformative journey, visit 70.safdn.org to learn more.

The Scranton Area Community Foundation works to meet critical community needs and support local causes, programs, and organizations. From improving access to equitable transportation to transforming the lives of women, girls, and their families, building the capacity of nonprofit organizations, advancing various causes in animal welfare, and ensuring all residents have access to safe and healthy housing, the Scranton Area Community Foundation is dedicated to helping to improve the quality of life in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

“The Scranton Area Community Foundation was established as a community trust in 1954 by the Scranton Family. Their initial $1 million gift was the seed that has grown into a permanent vehicle for donors to accomplish their philanthropic goals while helping to support positive change in our community,” Ducceschi stated. “Today, ninety cents of every dollar spent at the Foundation goes directly to grants, scholarships, and programs in the communities we serve,” she added.

The Scranton Area Community Foundation offers a range of charitable funds, allowing donors to advance a cause, support an individual organization, provide flexible support for community needs, or recommend individual grants.

“Reaching this 70th-anniversary milestone is a testament to the unwavering support of our donors, our nonprofit partners’ dedication, and our community’s resilience,” said Ducceschi. “As we celebrate our 70th anniversary, we remain even more committed to driving positive change and creating a vibrant, inclusive community for all across Northeastern Pennsylvania,” she added. “And we do this all through the support of our generous community.” The Scranton Area Community Foundation invites everyone to participate in the celebration and the 70th Anniversary Campaign activities. Visit safdn.org for more information about upcoming events, grant opportunities, and how to get involved. Naming opportunities and special recognition opportunities exist. Multi-year pledges can also be accepted and are appreciated.

The Scranton Area Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Northeastern Pennsylvania through philanthropy, collaboration, and community leadership. Since 1954, the Foundation has provided over $50 million in grants and scholarships, supporting a wide range of programs and initiatives that address the community’s most pressing needs.

Scranton Area Community Foundation to Benefit from Shine Like Susan 5K

The Scranton Area Community Foundation will receive donations from a group of Abington Heights High School students from the Class of 2025 and members of the school’s cross country and track and field teams have gathered to organize the upcoming 3rd annual Shine Like Susan 5K, a race in memory of Susan Burke, who lost her battle with colon cancer in 2022. The race will raise money to benefit the Susan Burke Foundation for Colon Cancer, a fund established in 2022 at the Scranton Area Community Foundation by the family of Susan Burke to provide support to individuals with a colon cancer diagnosis who are experiencing financial hardship.

The Shine Like Susan 5K will occur at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at Abington Heights Middle School. All proceeds will benefit the Susan Burke Foundation for Colon Cancer at the Scranton Area Community Foundation. The event will include a free kids’ fun run (ages 8 and under), raffle baskets, music, course guides, and more. Interested parties can register online at www.runsignup.com/shinelikesusan. The Shine Like Susan 5K registration fee is $25 online and $30 on race day.

Since its beginning in 2022, the Shine Like Susan 5K event has raised over $50,000 to support the Susan Burke Foundation for Colon Cancer.

Scranton Area Community Foundation Announces 2024 Scholarship Recipients

Scranton Area Community Foundation has awarded twenty students from thirteen different high schools a prestigious scholarship through the James F. Swift Scholarship Fund. This competitive scholarship provides $5,000 per year for each recipient for up to four years to assist with continuing education expenses.

The following students are first-time recipients of a James F. Swift Scholarship: Noah Beckish (North Pocono), Caden Brennan (Carbondale), Jocelyn Brown (Carbondale), Holly Burke (Scranton Preparatory), Carolyn Chakiris (Mid Valley), Elizabeth Cummings (Old Forge), Celia Emiliani (West Scranton), Kate Evans (West Scranton), Nikauri Fernandez (Holy Cross), Emma Field (Scranton), Sarah Goetter (Mid Valley), Geanna Kirchner (Dunmore), Savannah Lockwood (Dunmore), Antonia Piraino (Lakeland), Allyson Stafursky (Valley View), Makenna Stugus (Abington Heights), Alexa Williams (Riverside), Sarah Wolfe (Riverside), Meghan Wong (Scranton), and Angela Zeng (Abington Heights).

In addition to the 20 new recipients, there were 57 James F. Swift Scholarship renewals in 2024. The following students are recipients of a James F. Swift Scholarship Renewal in 2024: Ava Aulisio, Emma Aversa, Jacquelyn Bitter, Alexander Bond, Jillian Brennan, Cameron Butka, Joel Cali, Sofia Capozzi, Kaeden Carr, Riley Clarke, Ryan Coleman, Alyssa Cosklo, Ava Decker, Jayden Evans, Erileidi Fernandez, Sofia Flores-Weidner, Hunter Geise, Sadid Hassan, Courtney Hazelton, Matthew Howard, Emma Illian, Elina Joshi, Michael Kazmierczak, Eliana King, Kendal Johnson, Lorna Lynch, Dana Mackin, Hailey Matechak, Sara McCormack, Finley McHale, David McKenney, Thomas Milewski, Connor Monahan, Ayman Mounota, Owen Morgan, Julia Murphy, Mia Muskey, Paige Pezanowski, Ron Prislupski, Meredith Purcell, Mila Racibor, Ritu Regmi, Taralyn Reilly, Lexee Risner, Michael Rodyushkin, Kayla Rose, Chloee Rumford, Ryan Salony, Michael Sewack, Gabrielle Snee, Christian Snee, Ethan Symuleski, Alexis Tanana, Benjamin Thompson, Martin Turi, Jayde Waibel, and Molly White.

The James F. Swift Scholarship Fund has awarded over $5 million since 2008, benefiting over 340 local students. Created in 2002 through a gift by Mr. James F. Swift to the Scranton Area Community Foundation, the James F. Swift Scholarship Fund supports higher education for students graduating from high schools in Lackawanna County. Following Mr. Swift’s death in 2006, the Scranton Area Community Foundation gratefully received a significant gift from his estate to the scholarship fund, allowing many students from Lackawanna County to pursue their academic and professional goals through higher education.

The scholarship aims to provide an ongoing matriculation stream at Lackawanna County colleges and universities. The Scranton Area Community Foundation aims to award 75% of the scholarships to students who plan to attend institutions of higher learning in the Lackawanna County region.

Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO Laura Ducceschi praised Mr. Swift’s generosity, noting that “he has left a permanent and enduring legacy for our region’s youth. His scholarship fund makes higher education more attainable for generations of students.”

The Scranton Area Community Foundation partners with the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) in the Partnership for Access to Higher Education (PATH) Program to offer qualifying students additional financial aid. Through PHEAA, scholarship recipients may be eligible for additional dollars toward their tuition.

For more information on the James F. Swift Scholarship Fund at the Scranton Area Community Foundation, please contact Brittany Pagnotti, Communications Director of the Scranton Area Community Foundation, at 570-347-6203.